Facing an undefeated team without their young star, the Lakers needed every unsung hero to step up and save their hopes of a Summer League championship.
Lonzo Ball dazzled in the first half but left the game with tightness in his right calf. Dallas took advantage and brought the Lakers’ once-26-point lead down to one in the final two minutes.
With the No. 2 overall pick on the sidelines, Los Angeles turned to its crew of undrafted rookies and NBA G League standouts, who held on and delivered a 108-98 victory in the Summer League semifinals.
It was another resilient effort from a Lakers crew that has won five straight games after dropping the first two in Las Vegas.